Garden Reflections

As I walked through the Fall garden this morning, my mind wandered back to how the garden season commenced this year. A whiff of warm Spring breezes brought forth bright green leaves and plants full of vigor, only to be ambushed by the unmerciful late frosts that rolled across the region. Several plants were lost and those that weren't had to fight throughout the whole of Summer for any moisture they could find with their fragile roots. The last two rains gave what was left of the garden a will to finish its yearly cycle. To flower and set seed. To bring forth fruit. With all that mother nature dealt out this year, I am truly happy with what remains. It is more than I could have hoped for, notwithstanding. I can now only make plans for next year's garden. I can hope for overflowing baskets of produce and profuse displays of magnificent flowers. But in the end, I will always be happy with what my garden provides.

Yellow Magnolia Tree Flowers

Some of our favorite trees for beautiful Spring flowers are the deciduous magnolia trees. While some common magnolia trees like the star magnolia are more popular, there are a few less well-known magnolia trees than the star magnolia that can be used quite successfully in most landscapes. And they require as little care as the popular magnolia trees. Magnolia trees usually bloom a few weeks before dogwood trees. Below are the flowers of two soft yellow magnolia trees that may deserve a place in your garden this coming Spring.

Make Tree and Plant Labels Last Longer

I explained in an earlier post about how to make homemade plant labels. Now I'm going to tell you how to make your plant labels last longer no matter what type of label you use. Go outside and locate the plants you wish to label. If you know where the sun comes up, you'll know that is the eastern horizon. Stand up straight now, and put your arms straight out like you're going to fly like a bird. Point your right index finger to the eastern horizon and your left index finger towards the western horizon (where the sun sets). You are now a human compass :) Now face your tree and plant labels in the same direction you are facing...next to the tree or plant you are labeling of course. The sun will hit the front of the labels the least on this side and will keep the face of your labels safer from the oxidation effects that the sun causes. See, now wasn't that simple enough? :)

2007 Perennial Plant of the Year - Nepeta 'Walker's Low'

The Perennial Plant Association has granted Nepeta 'Walker's Low' with the befitting 2007 Perennial Plant of the Year award. I've been an admirer of this plant since its release. Does a wonderful job of attracting bees, butterflies and other beneficials to the garden. And the normal pests in the garden, deer and rabbit, tend to dislike the astringent taste of this plant. For more information on this perennial plant and others that have received this award in past years, visit the Perennial Plant Association's website.

Garden Gazebos

There was a time when a garden gazebo was only available to those who could afford to spend an extravagant amount of money. Gazebos have not only become affordable, the styles are varied and widely available. No matter what size area you have to devote to your gazebo building project, you can find the perfect size and style gazebo that will fit your personal landscape needs.

Before selecting the garden gazebo that is right for you, there are a few things you must consider carefully. What is the main purpose of your gazebo? Will you be using it for a sheltered hot tub or spa area? Garden gazebos can make a lavish centerpiece for a specialty garden, an outdoor cooking or grilling area or just a quiet place to sit with a cup of coffee and watch birds, or simply relax and view your garden. For centuries, gazebos have been used as viewing shelters, teahouses, pavilions, pagodas, summerhouses or kiosks.

You can decide what the design of your garden gazebo will be like. If you enjoy cooking outside and do a lot of outdoor entertaining, you may want to install a personalized fire pit or brick barbecue. If you decide to place your garden gazebo near your pool area, why not consider special lighting, an entertainment center or privacy screening, adding doors or windows and turning your gazebo into a guest changing area or pool house.

Once you choose the site of your gazebo the fun begins. Will you add electricity and plumbing? How about ornamental fountains or adding a fish pond or birdbath? Before choosing your spot be sure and keep in mind the seasonal advantages and drawbacks for the area you have chosen. Do you have high winds in the summer, or heavy amounts of snow in winter? What type of landscaping will you choose ? Will you use plants, vines, shrubs or trees to accent the area? All of these things need to be considered before choosing your gazebo.

Gazebos can be constructed from many types of natural cedars and pines and there are many styles available using vinyl or other synthetic materials. The styles are varied and no matter if you choose an old fashioned Victorian style, a gazebo with Greek or Asian influence or a simple rustic country style, be sure and consider the unlimited availability of accessories for your gazebo. You get to pick and choose what type of space to create, choosing your favorite roof design, decks, specialized lighting, stairs, railing, doors or gates, built in or freestanding furniture, outdoor cooking appliances, arbors, trellises, ponds, wishing wells, footbridges, wooden arbors, even personalized stone pathways.

Because of the popularity of gazebos, you are now able to personalize and design your garden gazebo in any way you desire. Whether buying a garden gazebo do-it-yourself kit or having your gazebo constructed by a professional, be sure and use your imagination when planning your personal garden gazebo get-a-way. Also keep in mind if you have enough space in your garden area, why limit yourself to just one?